Back to School

I've been wondering what to do with my time since the Olympics have been over.....so after a four year break from full-time school, I'm back! :) It's going to be an adjustment next Tuesday, but I'm really excited to be back at BYU! :) (To celebrate I climbed to the top of Timp with my dad and brothers on Wednesday.)

I just finished my two days of orientation for the MPA program at the Romney Institute of Public Management. I can tell that this is going to be REALLY great! There are about 60 new students in the program this year and 10 professors. We were all together to get to know each other and start working together. Each of them seem like amazing people who have such a desire to go serve and stand up and make a difference in the world. I'm really excited for this new adventure. I know I have a lot to learn and hope to take advantage of all the new opportunities so that I can then go and make the world a better place (even if that means swinging out of trees, like I did this morning, and trusting in and relying on teammates that I just met yesterday). :) I've already learned something about the importance of communication, leadership, encouragement, being unique (as in BYU as a school being a light to the world in a humble way), being "one", trusting and relying on a team, etc.....and lots more to come..... :) I'm grateful for the chance to be back at school!

No more nylons! :)

Today was my last day of work at the Church Office Building. I worked in the Church Travel Office for the past 3 years and 8 months. It has been a wonderful job! I had so many amazing experiences and learned a lot! I will miss helping missionaries get to and from their missions all over the world (even when they're calling stranded due to flight cancellations at Christmas time), working with consulates (and seeing miracles happen as visas come through) and with so many great people. I even enjoyed learning and helping with accounting this last year. It has been a fun adventure, but I'm very excited I don't have to wear nylons everyday anymore!!! :)

Here's a picture of my current work group on the top of Sunset Peak. This activity came about as a stress-reliever/team-building activity in the midst of a HUGE system change over we've been working on for the past few months. One purpose of the activity was to show our trainer from Miami the beautiful mountains of Utah. He is not a member of the Church, but a very religious man. For all of the hassle and heartache of this new system....it may have been worth the switch just to have this trainer have the opportunity to learn first hand so closely about the Church for so long. It's neat to see the Lord's hand in His work! :)

Ra, Ra, Ra-Ra-Ra!

So, I have never been or ever wanted to be a cheerleader, but I've found myself being somewhat of a cheerleader this year. It's actually kind of fun to have someone or something to be excited about supporting or cheering for. :)

It has made me more aware of things going on and others to cheer for along the way, too! :)

I LOVE the Olympics!

Every two years I LOVE watching the world come together in the parade of nations at the Olympic Games. It seems to symbolize the hope of the world for peace and harmony in the midst of political turmoil and uncertainty. I felt that hope and harmony again tonight as I watched everyone march in behind the country flags.

It was neat to see China tell the story of their vast history (through drums, painting, dancing, fireworks, and LOTS of people) and see its' progress as a nation and the hope of continued progress. It was sweet to see the small 9-year-old Chinese boy who walked in with Yao Ming who carried the Chinese flag. The boy survived the earthquake in Sichuan Province in May and risked his life to help save two of his classmates. I'm inspired by this young boy who took his assignment of "hall monitor" seriously and was ready to help and make a difference.

I'm also inspired by the athletes who have a passion for something and work hard to reach their dreams, sometimes in countries with few opportunities.

So, go for your dreams and world peace! :)